Contradiction with Exodus 23:24
This verse instructs the Israelites not to follow or worship other gods, contradicting 2 Kings 17:9 where the Israelites set up high places and worshipped other gods.
Exodus 23:24: Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 6:14
This verse commands the Israelites not to follow other gods, directly opposing the actions described in 2 Kings 17:9 where they secretly built high places for idol worship.
Deuteronomy 6:14: Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which [are] round about you;
Contradiction with Joshua 24:14
This verse urges the Israelites to serve the Lord sincerely and in truth, contrasting with their secret practices mentioned in 2 Kings 17:9.
Joshua 24:14: Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD.
Contradiction with Deuteronomy 4:23
This warns the Israelites to avoid making graven images or forgetting God's covenant, opposing 2 Kings 17:9 where they covertly built high places against God's commands.
Deuteronomy 4:23: Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of the LORD your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image, [or] the likeness of any [thing], which the LORD thy God hath forbidden thee.
Contradiction with Leviticus 26:1
This verse prohibits the making of idols and high places, directly contradicting 2 Kings 17:9 where the Israelites did so in secrecy.
Leviticus 26:1: Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up [any] image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I [am] the LORD your God. [standing...: or, pillar] [image of...: or, figured stone: Heb. a stone of picture]
Contradiction with 1 Kings 14:23
This verse notes the sin of building high places and images, contradicting the secretive yet widespread building in 2 Kings 17:9.
1 Kings 14:23: For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree. [images: or, standing images, or, statues]
Paradox #1
Some people might view a contradiction in this verse due to potential inconsistencies with archaeological evidence. The verse talks about the Israelites secretly doing things against God in various places, including "high places." Some scholars argue there's not enough archaeological evidence to support the extensive existence of these high places during that time period, creating a conflict between the biblical account and archaeological findings.